Magdalena House

Magdalena House in the Castolon Historic District

NPS PHOTO/ Cathy Hoyt

Quick Facts

Location:

Along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park, Texas

Significance:

The Castolon Historic District represents the largest and most complex example of human history in Big Bend, where the cultures of Mexico and the United States of America met in one rural community along the border.

Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Historic District, HABS

Amenities

3 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

The Magdalena House is an addition to the Castolon Compound, built after the military left Camp Santa Helena. Magdalena Silvas lived and worked in the Castolon area for over 30 years. In the 1950s Magdalena moved to this house from one down the bluff. Here she continued to raise her five children as a widowed mother, while working as a cook for the La Harmonia Company. She also washed and ironed clothes. Later, the house served as the home and office for government employees after inclusion in Big Bend National Park. The Magdalena House now features exhibits about life in Castolon around 100 years ago.